Valves including one or more flushing features and related assemblies, systems, and methods

Abstract

Valve and related assemblies, systems, and methods may include a self-cleaning feature that may be configured to at least partially displace material from a portion of the valve. Such valves may be utilized in a pressure exchanger.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 758,340, filed Nov. 9, 2018, for “Valves Including One or More Flushing Features and Related Assemblies, Systems, and Methods,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to valves including one or more flushing features. More particularly, embodiments of the disclosure relate to valves one or more flushing features for removing debris or other object from the valve and to related assemblies and to related methods. In some instances, such valves may be utilized in fluid exchange devices for one or more of exchanging properties (e.g., pressure) between fluids and systems and methods.BACKGROUND[0003]Industrial processes often involve hydraulic systems including pumps, valves, impellers, etc. Pumps, valves, and impellers ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a device or system for exchanging pressure between fluids. The device includes a tank with a clean side for receiving a clean fluid at a higher pressure and a dirty side for receiving a downhole fluid at a lower pressure. The device also includes a valve positioned along a fluid pathway and a flushing feature for supplying fluid to at least a portion of the valve to displace material from the valve. The device can selectively place the clean fluid at higher pressure in communication with the downhole fluid at lower pressure using a piston. The valve has a valve body, a valve seat, a valve member, and a self-cleaning feature for supplying fluid to at least a portion of the valve. The device can be used in a system with at least one pump for supplying clean fluid to the pressure exchange device. The method of controlling the valve involves flowing fluid through the valve body, at least partially obstructing the flow of fluid by moving the valve member, and at least partially displacing material from the valve by supplying fluid to at least a portion of the valve. The technical effects of the invention include efficient pressure exchange between fluids, improved fluid purity, and reduced material displacement.

Problems solved by technology

These types of fluids may increase the amount of wear on the components of a hydraulic system.

The increased wear may result in increased maintenance and repair costs or require the early replacement of equipment.

For example, abrasive, caustic, or acidic fluid may increase the wear on the internal components of a pump such as an impeller, shaft, vanes, nozzles, etc.

Some pumps are rebuildable and an operation may choose to rebuild a worn pump replacing the worn parts which may result in extended periods of downtime for the worn pump resulting in either the need for redundant pumps or a drop in productivity.

However, the proppant in the fracking fluid increases wear and maintenance on and substantially reduces the operation lifespan of the high-pressure pumps due to its abrasive nature.

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